LG Display (LPL)2025-04-24 19:50Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue for Q1 2025 was KRW 6,065.3 billion, representing a 15% increase year-over-year [4] - Operating profit was KRW 33.5 billion, an improvement of KRW 509.2 billion year-over-year, marking the first profit in Q1 for eight years, excluding the COVID pandemic period [4] - Q1 EBITDA was KRW 1,231.3 billion with an EBITDA margin of 20%, the highest since Q3 2021 [5] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Area shipment decreased by 19% quarter-on-quarter but increased by 1% year-over-year due to OLED TV and notebook panel shipment expansion [5] - ASP per square meter was $804, down 8% quarter-on-quarter, but the decline was mitigated by strong OLED performance [6] - Revenue share for mobile and others dipped 8 percentage points quarter-on-quarter to 34%, while IT segment revenue share increased by 7 percentage points to 35% [7] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - OLED products accounted for 55% of total revenue, an increase of 8 percentage points year-on-year, reflecting the company's shift towards an OLED-centric business model [8] - The company expects a mid-20% decline in area shipment for Q2 due to the discontinuation of the LCD TV business, while ASP per square meter is projected to rise by around 20% [9][10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to enhance core competitiveness in OLED technology and maintain a focus on cost efficiency and operational improvements [12][13] - Plans to respond to market changes include strengthening partnerships with global customers and expanding the OLED product portfolio, particularly in high-end segments [17][18] - Investment for 2025 is expected to be around mid- to low KRW 2 trillion, with a focus on maintaining a profit-centric operational stance [19][20] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged external uncertainties but noted tangible results from efforts to strengthen core competitiveness [12][13] - The company is closely monitoring market dynamics and is prepared to respond to changes, particularly in the smartphone and IT segments [14][15] - The auto business is expected to grow steadily, with a projected tripling of revenue in three years due to new technologies and expanding customer base [73][74] Other Important Information - Cash and cash equivalents stood at KRW 982.3 billion, which could increase to KRW 2,372.8 billion when including cash from the Guangzhou LCD plant [8] - The sale of the Guangzhou LCD TV plant is proceeding as planned, with payments being received according to the schedule [32][33] Q&A Session Summary Question: Changes in downstream market due to US tariffs - Management is closely monitoring the situation and believes there are currently no critical issues in the supply chain or pricing pressures due to tariffs [29][31] Question: Update on the sale of the LCD TV plant - The sale proceeds remain unchanged, and the plant is operating at full capacity under CSOT [32][33] Question: Adjustments to business plan outlook - The company is maintaining its original business plan but is prepared for potential downstream market volatility [43][44] Question: Impact of competition on shipment volumes and ASP - Despite competition, the company has been able to expand volume through timely supply and cost innovations [44][45] Question: Strategies for large panel OLED business - The focus is on providing a differentiated product portfolio and stringent cost savings to enhance profitability [50][51] Question: Outlook for IT panel demand and competitiveness - The company expects growth in the OLED monitor market and aims to leverage technological strengths to maintain competitiveness [65][66] Question: Short-term and long-term outlook for the auto business - The auto business is expected to grow steadily, with a focus on new technologies and expanding customer base [73][74]